Mission & History

Surface Design Association’s mission since 1977 is to promote awareness and appreciation of textile-inspired art and design through member-supported benefits including publications, exhibitions, and conferences.

Surface Design Association: Innovation in Fiber, Art, and Design

SDA provides a platform for the exchange of ideas, methods, and materials. The SDA community is expansive: from makers and artists to academics and enthusiasts. We celebrate their successes and failures as they work toward sustaining traditional techniques or adapting production strategies in radical new ways, such as realizing fiber arts as activism or performance. The shared affinity of our community is a sincere love of textile media and fiber arts.

Through its quarterly publication of the Surface Design Journal, member exhibitions, and biennial intensives, SDA is able to:

Provide opportunities for learning and meaningful collaboration

“Hooked on Svelte,” Joel Allen

Mentor and support emerging and established artists

Inform members about the latest developments in the field of fiber arts

Recognize the accomplishments of members

Encourage critical dialogue about fiber art

Inspire new directions in fiber and textiles

Raise the visibility of fibers and textile media in the contemporary art world.